Sales Manager

Network Contracting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Contracting seeks an experienced Sales Manager to spearhead business development, expand its client and partner network, and drive growth across financial and insurance solutions.

The role is strategic and hands-on, requiring a proven track record in commercial insurance sales, strong relationship management, and the ability to negotiate and close major opportunities with senior decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in commercial insurance sales or related financial services.
• Experience engaging senior decision-makers and closing significant business deals.
• Strong networking skills and ability to build long-term client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales and business development strategies to expand client base and revenue.
• Identify and pursue high-value opportunities with corporate clients and strategic partners.
• Lead, coach and develop a sales team to meet targets and drive growth.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and manage end-to-end deal closure.
• Build relationships with insurers, brokers and distribution channels to grow partnerships.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts and performance updates to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal governance.

Skills

Sales leadership

Business development

Negotiation

Relationship management

Strategic partnerships

Client acquisition

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Business/Marketing/Insurance/Financial Services

Job description

Company and Job Description

Our client, an established financial services business, is seeking a results-driven Sales Manager to spearhead business development, expand its client and partner network, and drive sustainable commercial growth across its financial and insurance solutions.

This is a strategic, hands‑on role suited to an experienced insurance professional who combines strong commercial acumen with the ability to originate, negotiate and close significant business opportunities. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying new markets, developing relationships with corporate clients and business partners, and converting strategic opportunities into measurable revenue growth.

In addition to personally driving new business acquisition, the individual will lead and develop the sales team, establish clear performance objectives and implement strategies to grow the business. The role requires a confident deal‑maker who can engage senior decision‑makers, build long‑term commercial relationships and translate business development initiatives into tangible results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales and business development strategies to expand the company's client base, market presence and revenue streams.
• Identify, pursue and secure high‑value business opportunities with corporate clients, established businesses and strategic partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior decision‑makers, business owners, corporate clients, intermediaries and relevant industry stakeholders.
• Lead commercial negotiations, prepare proposals and drive opportunities from initial engagement through to successful deal closure.
• Identify opportunities to grow the business through insurance solutions, strategic partnerships and complementary financial services.
• Establish and develop relationships with insurers, underwriting partners, brokers and other relevant distribution channels.
• Build a sustainable pipeline of new business opportunities and drive the achievement of agreed sales, revenue and growth targets.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of sales consultants, ensuring accountability, productivity and consistent sales performance.
• Set sales targets, monitor performance and coach team members on prospecting, client engagement, negotiation and closing techniques.
• Develop strategic account acquisition plans and identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to develop commercially viable solutions that meet client needs.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity and emerging opportunities to inform business development strategies.
• Prepare sales forecasts, pipeline reports and performance updates for executive management.
• Ensure that business development and sales activities comply with applicable regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.

Job Experience and Skills Required

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Insurance, Financial Services or a related field.
• Relevant insurance qualifications and regulatory credentials appropriate to the role.
• Proven experience in commercial insurance sales, business development or strategic partnership development.
• Previous experience within an insurance brokerage, insurance intermediary or related financial services environment.
• A demonstrated track record of securing new business, negotiating commercial agreements and developing high‑value client relationships.
• Experience engaging corporate clients and senior decision‑makers to secure significant business opportunities.
• Proven experience building, leading and developing sales consultant teams.
• Strong understanding of insurance products, distribution channels, intermediary relationships and the commercial drivers of the financial services industry.
• Experience managing sales pipelines, revenue targets, business development strategies and sales performance.
• Excellent negotiation, networking, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to identify, develop and close revenue‑generating opportunities.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial and results‑oriented approach to business development.
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel for business development activities, where required.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an established insurance and business development professional who combines industry knowledge with a strong commercial network and a proven ability to secure new business. They are confident engaging senior stakeholders, negotiating strategic partnerships and developing opportunities that deliver meaningful revenue growth.

The individual is equally comfortable leading a sales team and personally driving high‑value business opportunities, with the commercial mindset, relationship‑building ability and leadership skills required to accelerate business growth.